ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in India's Lower House of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new education minister, calling Joshi a “defender of rapists” and “the most filthy type of man.”

Speaking to reporters outside the Indian Parliament, Gandhi questioned Modi's decision to appoint Joshi at a time when students across the country had been protesting over issues related to the education system, including the exam paper leak controversy.

Joshi replaced Dharmendra Pradhan when the latter resigned four days ago, following protests by students on the call of Cockroach Janta Party in New Delhi.

“The Education Minister of India is a man who protects rapists. There can be no filthier person than someone who defends rapists,” Gandhi alleged, adding that the prime minister could have chosen any other minister for the portfolio.

Later, Gandhi reiterated his criticism in a post on X, describing Joshi’s appointment as “an insult to our education system” and to millions of students, particularly young women studying in educational institutions across the country.

The Congress’ criticism is linked to Joshi’s remarks following the release of convicts in the Bilquees Bano gang rape case in 2022.

The party circulated a video in which Joshi is heard saying he saw “nothing wrong” with the release as it had been carried out according to the legal process.

Bilquees Bano gangrape case

During the 2002 Gujarat riots in India, five-month pregnant Bilquees Yakub Rasool fled her home in the village of Randhikpur with 16 other family members to escape the violence.

The group sought refuge in Chhaparvad but were attacked by a mob of 20-30 men, who killed 14 of Bilquees's family members, also including infants.

Twelve of the attackers were convicted in the gangrape of Bilquees, her mother, and her cousin Shamim. Out of the 17 victims, only Bilquees and two men survived the attack.

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Opposition leader criticizes India's Modi over appointment of new education minister

Opposition leader criticizes India's Modi over appointment of new education minister